The Journey of Col. Francel Padilla, AFP's First Female Spokesperson
Securing an interview with the newly appointed spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, proved to be quite a challenge due to her incredibly demanding schedule.
As the mouthpiece of the AFP, which stands as the cornerstone of the nation's defense and security, Col. Padilla's days are packed with responsibilities crucial for the organization's communication and public relations. One of her roles is to act as the primary link between the AFP and the public, ensuring the dissemination of timely and accurate information about military operations and initiatives. She represents the AFP in public engagements and media briefings, articulating the forces' stance and future plans. Furthermore, she has to ensure that the AFP's perspective is accurately portrayed in the media.
Specializing in cybersecurity and technology, Padilla has made history as the AFP's first female spokesperson. She succeeded Col. Medel Aguilar, who served in the role for one year and six months. Throughout her 27-year career, Padilla has held numerous positions, showcasing her versatility and expertise within the military.
Padilla is the current Group Commander of the Media and Civil Affairs Group, Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP). Â
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It All Started with a Dare
Padilla, the only girl among four siblings, had never entertained the thought of becoming a soldier. She had already finished her sophomore year in civil engineering at the Unversity of Santo Tomas when her brother, Mark Voltaire, who was originally a member of PMA Class 1997, challenged her to take the entrance exams. "Padyaryo ka lang," she remembers her brother teasing. Passing the exams would mean that her name will be published in the newspapers.
The exams were tough. Out of the over 18,000 who took it then, only 1,100+ female examinees passed, and Padilla was one of them. From this number, 100+ would continue on with the medical exams and only 20 females will be allowed to enter the Philippine Military Academy. From the 20, only eight graduated.Â
"With the guys, after the medical exam, akyat na sila ng PMA. But sa females, we still have to go thru a panel interview at the Camp Aguinaldo. At that time, wala pang female officers," she remembers.
What ultimately influenced her decision to pursue a military career was meeting the female PMA candidates during their weeklong medical. "Kasi di ba wala akong sisters. Then I met the female candidates of PMA, ang saya. I felt like I was part of a sisterhood. I felt the camaraderie," says Padilla.
"We would go to the despedidas of the other passers. May mga outings. Hanggang sa nagkayayaan na, 'Let's challenge ourselves to enter the PMA. Kung hindi kaya, uwi tayo after the first week,'" she recalls their conversation then.
She then shares a poignant memory that fueled her resolve, "When my brother said na hindi ko kaya, mas lalo ako na-challenge na tumuloy and prove myself more."
When reception day came, that's when reality began to sink in. "Akala ko the reception meant a welcoming event with food and everything. Ang nangyari ay pinag-push-up at sit-up kami. Then they cut our hair na. Ang hair ko nun is hanggang sa baywang. So it's one chop of long lock of hair. Then magigising ka na lang sa katotohanan, you'd ask yourself, 'ano ba 'tong napasok ko?" she says laughing.
Padilla is also a certified ethical hacker.
Life Inside the PMA
Padilla’s freshman year at the academy marked a significant learning curve. "They strip away your civilian habits and mold you into a soldier," she describes the adjustment period.
"What's the most challenging part?" we ask.
"Lahat," she responds, laughing. The training not only involves physical but also emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. "Magdadasal ka talaga sa tuwing malulungkot ka. They'll push you to your wit's end. We're constantly reminded that it's all role-playing. Everything done to you serves a purpose."
Inside the PMA, they lived a regimented life. "How we sit, where we sit, our distance away from the table... lahat yan sukat. Since there's always something happening at any point in time, there are people shouting at you left and right, you'll have no time to think about quitting," she shares.
"By the time you get to bed, you're already super exhausted, na pag masandal ka, tulog ka. And then you'll realize, time has passed you by. Sabi nga nila in PMA, you live by the day," she says.
Padilla reminisces about a family visit in her third year. "Before I was presented to my family, I was drenched in mud—soaked through, coated in grime, my hair dripping. My mother wanted to take me home," she recalls. But having already dedicated three years, she reasoned that giving up then wouldn't make sense. "Going back meant I wouldn't be with my original classmates anymore at UST. So, I rationalized the need to push forward and continue."
Padilla established the "Cyber for Peace" initiative, aimed at raising awareness and improving cyber hygiene through partnerships with various agencies.
Military Journey
Padilla graduated with a degree in BS Management at the turn of the century in 2000. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when she fell deeply in love with a fellow mistah, Felicisimo Taborlupa Jr. "We graduated in March and got married in June," she says. "Since nagkapamilya na, nagkaanak, my priorities changed."
She was initially planning to take further studies and pursue law but took an interest in technology when she joined the Signal Corps, where she received training in Communication Electronics and Information Systems. "The goal then was to digitalize the Philippine Army in the year 2000, so we focused on developing systems," she shares.
Padilla served in the Information Systems Management Division for five years before she was assigned to the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and became the aide to then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2009.
Her tenure in this position was brief, as she pursued an advanced course for Signal officers in the US, subsequently earning recognition as one of the most outstanding graduates.
Following her return to the PSG after graduation, Padilla distinguished herself as the first female commanding officer of the Headquarters Company within the Presidential Guards battalion. Her role during this period presented significant challenges, notably her assignment as the security officer for high-profile VIP guests visiting the country. Such dignitaries included Queen Sofia of Spain, former South Korean President Park Geun-hye, and Pope Francis, in addition to delegates from the World Economic Forum in 2014 and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in 2015.
"The APEC Summit was one of my toughest assignments because my husband had just died the month prior," she recalls. "I had no time to grieve."
Philippine Coast Guard's Air Group Deputy Commander Taborlupa Jr. died in a helicopter crash along with hotelier Archimedes King in Cuenca, Batangas. The six other passengers aboard the plane survived the crash.
"Actually, it's a misnomer na yung military ay hindi pambabae. In the military, we embrace inclusivity and diversity."
Cybersecurity Expert
Under President Noynoy Aquino's leadership, Padilla found herself focusing anew on technology and cybersecurity. As a Certified Ethical Hacker, she was stationed at the Presidential Security Group (PSG) headquarters, where she significantly contributed to the digital transformation initiatives of the AFP.
In 2017, she pursued her master's degree in International Development Practice in Australia. Upon her return, she served for a year in AFP's Communications, Electronics, and Information Systems Service (J-6).
Given her extensive experience, Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., recognizing her capabilities, appointed Padilla as the head executive assistant at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). Thus, when Sec. Galvez was appointed as the chief implementer of the National Action Plan against COVID-19, Padilla found herself at the forefront of the pandemic response. Due to her background in technology, she was also appointed as the Information Systems Officer of the National Task Force against COVID-19.
When the country's COVID-19 vaccination program was rolled out, she finally had the opportunity to receive her training at the Philippine Armed Forces Command and General Staff College (AFPCGSC or GSC), the unit tasked with training future generals, generals, and command staff. Completing this course qualified her to command the 7th Signal Battalion commander.
"This is distinct from all other battalions of the Signal Corps because we serve several big units," she offers. "Ang maipagmamalaki ko mataas ang customer satisfaction rating namin--98 to 99 percent."
In addition to her other responsibilities, Padilla spearheaded the "Cyber for Peace" initiative, aimed at raising awareness and improving cyber hygiene through partnerships with various agencies. For her efforts, Padilla was recognized as one of the top 10 women in security in the Philippines in 2020.
Voice of AFP
Initially, she intended to join the National Security Commission, involved in establishing a National Task Force on Cyber Operations in the Philippines. However, her plans took a turn when she received a call from Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP) Commander MGen Ramon Zagala, informing her that she was being considered for the role of AFP spokesperson.
"Both roles are close to my heart--communications and technology. So I really prayed hard for guidance," she says.
Events happened serendipitously, and during the AFP's 88th anniversary celebration last December, General Zagala invited Padilla to accompany him. At the event, she was introduced to AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro. On January 15, Padilla was introduced to the media by Brawner as the first female spokesperson of the AFP.
Transitioning into this new role presents a new challenge, according to Padilla. She must now thoroughly acquaint herself with the diverse issues and concerns faced and tackled by the AFP.
"I find myself reading extensively in my spare time to stay updated on everything. Essentially, I have no personal life," she says with a laugh. "To this day, I'm still adjusting. It's incredibly humbling. The trust given to me by my superiors means a great deal. So the current challenge for me is—how do I meet their expectations?"
